Mayor de Blasio Appoints Anne Roest as Commissioner of Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications

May 6, 2014

NEW YORK—Mayor de Blasio today appointed Anne Roest as commissioner of the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications (DoITT). With more than 25 years of experience managing large-scale information technology projects and operations, Roest has a proven track record modernizing government technology, creating a more transparent and open government, and fostering innovative partnerships to improve government efficiency and service delivery.

As commissioner, Roest will be responsible for maintaining the foundational IT infrastructure and systems that touch every aspect of city life—from public safety to human services, to education and economic development—crossing the full spectrum of governmental operations. Roest will also oversee the city’s telecommunications franchises, including the creation of a new citywide network of Internet hotspots that will constitute one of the largest free Wi-Fi networks in the country, greatly expanding access to broadband connectivity across the five boroughs.

“Anne represents so much of what is great about our technology sector. From her early days as a COBOL programmer at Fidelity Investments to her recent work overseeing IT operations across all of the state’s public safety operations, she’s risen up through the ladders through hard work, vision and steadfast leadership,” said Mayor Bill de Blasio. “I’m thrilled to have Anne as part of our technology team as we look to build a more transparent and accessible government for all New Yorkers.”

“I am honored to be joining the de Blasio administration and look forward to helping drive the Mayor’s technology agenda. As the central technology services agency, DoITT has an opportunity and responsibility to help government improve the availability and efficiency of key public services, and to build on the foundation of transparency and openness of our data,” said incoming DoITT Commissioner Anne Roest. “I look forward to partnering with the city’s technology sector, working together to develop strategies that drive innovation, and create opportunities for New York technology firms.”

“Technology is such a critical driver of New York’s growth, and Anne will be an exceptional partner that deeply understands the role of tech in evolving business and supporting the lives of the people of New York City. Anne has been a trailblazer for women in tech and will continue to be in her new role,” said Jessica Lawrence, Executive Director of NY Tech Meetup.

“Anne’s ability to envision and execute has distinguished her as a public sector leader. Whether unpacking complex problems or leading multi-agency collaborations, she brings a passion for the public service and a commitment to innovation that will serve the City of New York very well,” said Dr. Theresa Pardo, Director of the Center for Technology in Government, University at Albany, SUNY.

“Anne is a talented and experienced leader who has driven effective change across the state. She combines a deep understanding of the technical world with an ability to conceptualize and execute smart solutions to difficult problems. The city could not be better served as we set a course for 21st Century leadership and excellence in technology,” said Elizabeth Glazer, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice.

“New York City’s tech sector is critical to our present and future growth, and with over 25 years of experience in the industry, Anne Roest is a terrific choice to lead the Department of Information Technology and Telecommunications. I’m very excited to work with her to create a more transparent government and ensure that New York continues to be a pioneer in technological innovation,” said Council Member James Vacca, Chair of the City Council’s Committee on Technology.

About Anne Roest

Anne Roest has had a distinguished career in the information technology field spanning more than three decades. She began her career as a programmer for Fidelity Investments, before continuing on to technology roles at Norstar Bank and Microsoft. In 1986, she joined the New York State Department of Taxation and Finance. During her nearly 20-year tenure as IT director and project director for the agency, Roest spearheaded a massive systems modernization project, including planning, budgeting, staffing, systems development, and the analysis of business processes.

In 2005, Roest was appointed as Chief Information Officer and Deputy Commissioner at the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services, where she was charged with implementing and governing the information technology used for criminal justice and with driving collaboration across all of the state’s public safety agencies. In 2008, she received the Alfred E. Smith Award from American Society for Public Administration for her leadership in establishing a disaster recovery program to safeguard the state’s public safety operations in the event of a natural disaster or terrorist attack.

In 2012, Roest was appointed as the Public Safety Cluster Chief Information Officer at the New York State Office of Information Technology Services, where she has continued her work to improve, transform and consolidate information technology programs and resources across New York State public safety agencies. Roest was recently named to the Technology Hall of Fame at the New York State Government Technology Conference.

Roest grew up near West Hartford, Connecticut, and has lived in New York for 30 years. She has three grown sons.